Zithromax

What is it?

Composition

Zithromax is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and powder for suspension. The main active ingredient in all forms is azithromycin, which provides the antibacterial effect of the drug.

The composition may vary depending on the form of release, but, as a rule, Zithromax includes the following ingredients:

• Azithromycin (in the form of dihydrate) is the main active ingredient.
• Microcrystalline cellulose is an auxiliary substance that gives shape and stability to tablets.
• Sodium croscarmellose - ensures rapid dissolution of the tablet in the stomach.
• Hypromellose - is used to create the tablet shell.
• Magnesium stearate - is used as a lubricant to improve the manufacturing process.
• Sucrose and flavors (in powder for suspension) - to improve the taste and give a pleasant aroma.

How to use?

The correct use of Zithromax depends on the dosage form and the specific indication. Usually, the drug is prescribed once a day, which simplifies compliance with the treatment regimen. Zithromax tablets and capsules are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a sufficient amount of water. This promotes better absorption of the drug and its faster action.

The powder for the preparation of the suspension is usually prescribed to children, and its dosage depends on the childs body weight. Before use, the suspension must be shaken thoroughly to evenly distribute the active substance. If the patient misses a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible, but if the next dose is near, it is not recommended to double the dose.

1. Take Zithromax once daily at the prescribed dosage.
2. Take tablets or capsules on an empty stomach with plenty of water.
3. For suspension, shake bottle thoroughly before each use.
4. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible without doubling the next one.

How does it work?

Zithromax works due to the active substance azithromycin, which has the ability to penetrate the bodys cells and accumulate in infected tissues. Its mechanism of action is to block the synthesis of bacterial proteins necessary for their growth and reproduction. Azithromycin binds to bacterial ribosomes and disrupts the process of amino acid assembly, which leads to the cessation of bacterial growth and their subsequent death.

One of the key advantages of Zithromax is its ability to maintain a high concentration in tissues even after the completion of the course of treatment. This provides a long-lasting antibacterial effect and reduces the overall duration of drug administration, which is especially important in the treatment of acute infections.

Indications

Zithromax is used to treat a variety of infections caused by azithromycin-sensitive microorganisms. The drug is prescribed to both adults and children, including infants and adolescents. Zithromax is most often used in the following cases:

• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia.
• Skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo, folliculitis, and erysipelas.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Otitis media and other ear infections, especially in children.
• Bacterial gastroenteritis caused by strains of bacteria sensitive to the drug.

Contraindications

Although Zithromax is an effective and widely used antibiotic, its use may be contraindicated in some cases. It is important to consider the individual patient and the presence of certain conditions or diseases before starting treatment. Major contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to azithromycin, other macrolides or excipients of the drug.
• Severe liver dysfunction, since azithromycin is metabolized in the liver.
• Severe kidney disease, especially in the presence of disturbances in creatinine clearance.
• Arrhythmias, prolongation of the QT interval and other cardiovascular diseases that may be aggravated by taking the drug.
• Concomitant use with certain drugs, such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine, due to the risk of severe side effects.

Side effects

Although Zithromax is generally well tolerated by patients, like any medication, it can cause side effects. These can range from mild to more severe and depend on the individual characteristics of the body. The most common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence. These symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, urticaria. In rare cases, more serious reactions such as angioedema are possible.
• Headache and dizziness, which usually disappear after completion of the course of treatment.
• Changes in liver function tests, detected in blood tests, which requires monitoring in patients with existing liver disease.
• From the cardiovascular system: prolongation of the QT interval is possible, which requires caution in patients with a predisposition to arrhythmias.